Also called a "dongle," it is an extremely effective software copy protection device that plugs into the serial, parallel or USB port of the computer. Parallel port keys also act as a pass-through to the printer or other parallel device. The nickname "dongle" was derived from seeing multiple keys "dangle" off the parallel port. Since serial and parallel ports have become legacy interfaces, new hardware keys mostly use the USB port.
No Key - No Run
In order for an application to run, it sends a code to the key, which responds by reading out a serial number. Each program package is tied to the unique number in the accompanying key, which ensures that the software runs in only one machine at a time because the key must be plugged in to work. See DMCA and PC Card dongle.
Parallel Hardware Key
Parallel port keys provide a pass-through so that additional keys or a peripheral device can be plugged in.
Inside a Parallel Key
This shows the electronics inside the Sentinel hardware key, originally made by Rainbow Technologies. (Image courtesy of SafeNet, Inc., www.safenet-inc.com)
From Parallel to USB
Many vendors that use a hardware key have migrated from the less-available parallel port to the ubiquitous USB port. This message from the General CADD installation program highlights this migration.
No Key - No Run
In order for an application to run, it sends a code to the key, which responds by reading out a serial number. Each program package is tied to the unique number in the accompanying key, which ensures that the software runs in only one machine at a time because the key must be plugged in to work. See DMCA and PC Card dongle.
Parallel Hardware Key
Parallel port keys provide a pass-through so that additional keys or a peripheral device can be plugged in.
Inside a Parallel Key
This shows the electronics inside the Sentinel hardware key, originally made by Rainbow Technologies. (Image courtesy of SafeNet, Inc., www.safenet-inc.com)
From Parallel to USB
Many vendors that use a hardware key have migrated from the less-available parallel port to the ubiquitous USB port. This message from the General CADD installation program highlights this migration.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- S10 Password Vault 3.1 (Windows)
- Store all your usernames/passwords and other account info on your PC with S10 Password Vault, strongly encrypted yet easily accessible using a single master password. It can auto-type the appropriate information for you in any website or program, without having to switch between windows as with copy/paste. Also features launching...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Jack OS X 0.84 (Mac)
- Jack Tools is a Mac OS X implementation of the Jack Audio Connection Kit Jack. Jack is a low-latency audio server, written originally for the GNU/Linux operating system. It connects any number of different applications to a single hardware audio device; it also allows applications to send and receive audio...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Advanced PBX Data Logger 2.5.1 build 1125 (Windows)
- You may be an experienced hardware or network engineer, or an application designer and looking for a handy utility for extending your office, hotel or enterprise application. Whatever the case may be, look no further than our Advanced PBX Data Logger, for it will meet all of your technical needs.Advanced...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Garmin Nuvi 1690
- Garmin made a pretty big splash last year when it debuted the Nuvi 880, its first-ever Internet-connected portable navigation device PND featuring MSN Direct data service. With MSN Direct scheduled to go offline in the very near future, Garmin had to create something to fill this void, so it partnered...
- Product reviews 2009-11-24
- "Turkey Day" tech support survival kit
- Not bad, AdrianI agree about the Microsoft Security Essentials, as it is now my standard install. I typically find a nice performance improvement after removing whatever security suite they have and installing MSE.For scanners, I use Malwarebytes. It is small and easy to run, and finds and removes...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-24
- Chrome OS will rise or fall on the safety dance
- Scare tactics against Chrome OSI can see Microsoft really did the 'safety dance' with Windows it has been so successful...Chrome_OS is an entirely different modular approach plus they are using Open_Source with NO limitation of how high they can reach. I find it amazing anyone with a straight face say...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-24
- Falling behind in science? No kidding!
- ScienceHow many people really know that you don?t throw up with the flu...Actually, according to Merck, nausea and vomiting are flu symptoms, particularly in children. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec17/ch198/ch198d.html How many people realize that H1N1 vaccines are prepared in the same way as we always prepare flu vaccine?Actually this vaccine was...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-23
- Stupid DROID Tricks, Volume 1
- also if u want to talk and surf the net (get directions,or use the Map) in the same time u just have to open or switch the applications using the HOME key on the phone.Also: if u want to make a very CHEAP International calls or If you want to...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-22
- FileSalvage 7.0 (Mac)
- FileSalvage is an extremely powerful data recovery tools designed to restore files that have been accidentally deleted, have become unreadable due to media faults, or were stored on a drive before it was re-initialized or formatted. It is device and file system independent, allowing the users to recover files from...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- Logitech Harmony 700
- When Logitech released the Harmony One in early 2008, it instantly became one of our favorite universal remotes to date. But at $250, it wasn't exactly an impulse buy for the average consumer. With the Harmony 700, however, Logitech has delivered a model that offers the bulk of the...
- Product reviews 2009-11-18
- Ultrawave Guitar Tuner 1.3 (Windows)
- Ultrawave guitar tuner is a highly accurate two stage multiband tuner which is more stable than many other software or hardware guitar tuners. A reliable and accurate guitar tuner is a must have for any guitarist. Our guitar tuner lets you select a key and then shows you what note...
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- Next year is THE year for cloud computing
- Here is what Indu Kodukula, CTO of SunGard Availability Services thinks how cloud computing is likely to transform the computing industry landscape in 2010. Commentary - Yogi Berra had it right - it?s difficult to make predictions, especially about the future. It?s especially difficult...
- News items 2009-11-17
- Internet continues to lose its founding network partners
- I would like to see...I would like to see more competition on the hardware side. I completely understand that costs are a huge factor limiting competition but companies that own monopolies on the actual network infrastructure have little incentive to upgrade or enhance user experience with out major competition. Ideally...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-16
- CommView for WiFi 6.2 build 657 (Windows)
- CommView for WiFi is a wireless network monitor and analyzer for 802.11 a/b/g/n networks. The program presents a clear, detailed picture of network traffic that facilitates the examination and analysis of packets, helping the user to pinpoint network problems and troubleshoot software and hardware. With over 70 supported protocols, CommView...
- Software downloads 2009-11-14
- From the ashes of Geode, AMD brings Bobcat with 1:1 possibilities
- OLPC's first laptop, the XO has been both praised and criticized for many things. Perhaps most significant was its incredibly low power consumption, critical for use in areas with very limited electrical capacity. Key to this power consumption was the AMD Geode processor, an utterly anemic piece of...
- Blog posts 2009-11-13
- End-to-end encryption is the key to protecting data and reputations
- In order to avoid the financial and brand damage associated with data breaches, businesses need to consider deploying end-to-end encryption as a tamper proof way of securing data. Commentary - Media outlets around the globe highlight new data breaches at an alarmingly regular rate. Forrester estimates that the cost...
- News items 2009-11-11
- Moxi introduces three-tuner HD DVR, reduces prices on dual-tuner version
- TiVo isn't the only company trying to entice people to choose its DVR solution over one you can get bundled with your cable or satellite programming. Moxi is going the extra step with the latest version of its HD DVR, unleashing a new model that incorporate...
- Blog posts 2009-11-10
- Motorola sells 100k Droids on opening weekend
- Great screen ???? Only in the specs.Have you seen the Droid?? The screen is HORRIBLE. It is like looking at an old burnout monitor. Yellowish, blurry ... just plain UGLY.The pictures posted here and pretty much everywhere else aren't lying. The quality of the display in the Droid...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-10
- Why is Apple meddling with my Windows AutoRun?
- Not suprised...Why would Apple try to keep their competitor secure? It would go aggainst their own adds.Oh and I'm not suprised that apple wants to meddle with autorun... I always disable that feature and it will stay disabled... I just hope Apple wont try to stealth enable it... PS: Great...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-10
- ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 9.1.008 (Windows)
- ZoneAlarm Extreme Security is a comprehensive suite protecting your PC, your browser, and your data. The OSFirewall monitors changes within your computer to spot and stop new attacks that bypass traditional anti-virus protection. The Advanced Download Protection analyzes browser downloads in three unique ways before they can infect your PC...
- Software downloads 2009-11-10
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Keep Up With The Latest In Document Management with The DocuMentor.
-
Doc delivers the scoop on today's enterprise content management, printer maintenance, and all other issues related to document management. It's the DocuMentor Blog.
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
- New Online Dashboard for IT Leaders
-
Read about top issues IT decision-makers face every day, plus get cost-effective solutions to real-life IT problems.
- Learn more >>
SmartPlanet
- Thought-provoking progressive ideas on diverse topics that intersect with technology, business, and life, and matter to the world at large. Visit SmartPlanet
- More from IBM
-
- Innovate your business' process model, play against the market, compete against others on our scoreboards and WIN! Try INNOV8 2.0: A BPM Simulator
- Enabling Real-World Business Transformation through IBM Service Management Read the EMA Analyst Report
